San Angelo’s O-Negative Blood Supply Is Low

United Blood Services has issued an appeal for donations of O negative blood. The supply on hand of O Negative is very low.

O-Negative is the universal blood type that any can safely be transfused with. This is critically important to trauma patients when there's no time to perform the blood typing test.

According to Linda Grace, Senior Donation Recruitment Representative with United Blood Services, most blood shortages occur during or after holiday weekends like the Labor Day Weekend when the need for blood goes up and donations drop off.

In addition, platelet donors are needed. Platelets can be donated at the UBS Center at 2020 W. Beauregard. Platelets are used by surgery, leukemia and trauma patients. All blood types are welcome and platelets have a 5 day shelf life, so donations are needed now! United Blood Services is the provider of blood for 10 hospitals in 11 counties.

United Blood Services will be open this Saturday from 9-1:30, closed on Labor Day.

You can donate at Community Medical Center on Tuesday, September 8th from 8:30-6:30 in classrooms 1 & 2 near the chapel. All donors get 2 movie passes, free cholesterol check, and Hero in Me Points.

You can go to www.bloodhero.com and enter the code: sacmc, or call United Blood
Services at 223-6500 to make your appointment.

Donors must at 16 years old, weigh 110 pounds and be in good health. Donors between 16 & 22 must meet additional height & weight requirements. 16 year old donors must have a Minor Donor Permit Form signed by a parent or guardian. You can find the Minor Donor Permit online at www.unitedbloodservices.org.